5 Ways to Spend the Day in Loudoun County Virginia

If you are in the DC area and are looking for something to do, why not head west for the day or evening and visit nearby Loudoun County. Depending on the time of day, in just a bit over an hour you can be driving on scenic country roads and visiting quaint small towns. You’ll find a mix of outdoor activities along with unique shopping and plenty of places for a picnic. Here are 5 ways you can enjoy this slice of countryside, including some of our favorite family activities. 
This post was updated August, 2022

1.  Get Your Hands Dirty on a Farm. Visit one of the working farms in Loudoun County, where you can get up close with the animals,  pick your own fruits and vegetables or just relax and enjoy being on the farm. One of my favorites is Great Country Farms, which is off Route 7 in Bluemont. Throughout the growing season, they offer opportunities to go out to the field and pick fruits and vegetables. When my kids were younger, our two favorite activities were digging for potatoes and picking strawberries. If you want to visit several farms at once, mark your calendar for the Spring Farm Tour, typically held in late May. Use the map or download the app to take the self-guided driving tour where you can pick and choose where to visit, including farms, wineries, and other farm-related venues. Don’t miss a stop at Georges Mill Farm Artisan Cheese for some fresh cheese and a visit with the goats!

Read: 5 Favorite Day Trips from the DC Area

2.  Visit a Winery or Brewery.  Pack a picnic, the kids and the dog and head to one of over 40 wineries or 30 breweries in the county. Virginia wines are growing in popularity, and the wineries are working hard to attract followers, offering amenities such as live music, lots of outside seating, and on-site food trucks. They are conveniently grouped in 6 clusters, so if you decide to visit more than one in a day you don’t have to go very far. Just outside of Leesburg is beautiful, dog-friendly Stone Tower Winery. With lots of open space for kids to run around and lovely views of the rolling hills, what's not to like. For beer lovers, there are several ways to grab a brew in Loudoun County. One of our favorites is the Brews by Bike via the W&OD Trail, where you can ride along the paved Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD), then hop off to grab a snack and a beer at a close-by brewery. Another popular option are the Brews with a View. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery and Bear Chase Brewing Company are two worth a visit! 

3.  Take “Loudoun’s Civil War in a Day” Tour. Spend the day outside exploring historic Civil War sites, including a visit to one of the country’s smallest national cemeteries. Hike the easy one mile trail through Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, then drive to Morven Park, where Confederate soldiers spent the winter back in the 1860’s. Visit Loudoun has planned a full day itinerary, including suggestions on where to eat, so it couldn’t be any easier. 

​4.  Enjoy the Small Town Life. Whether it’s shopping at one of the colorful antique markets or relaxing at a small country inn, Loudoun County has so much to offer. Don’t miss a local favorite, The Old Lucketts Store and Garden Gatherings, just outside of historic Leesburg on Route 15. It’s a great stop for one of a kind antiques, vintage finds, and fun garden decor, including a huge selection of succulents planted in fun containers. From there it’s a quick drive to Roots 657 Cafe & Local Market. It’s definitely worth a stop to try anything from Chef Rich Rosendale for lunch! Downtown Leesburg and Middleburg also offer visitors unique shopping opportunities, each with their own main street vibe. We’ve also enjoyed a “Funky Fusion” cooking class at Middleburg’s upscale Salamander Resort & Spa, and a relaxing special occasion meal at the charming Goodstone Inn. Either of those places, along with many charming inns, like the Stone Gables Bed & Breakfast, are perfect for an overnight stay. And don’t miss the Discover the Charm mural in downtown Leesburg. 

5.  Spend a Friday Night in Leesburg. Head to downtown Leesburg on the first Friday of any month, and you’ll find fun things to do all over town. This popular event features live music, free food samples at various venues, and the chance to just relax and enjoy this cute, downtown area. Most of the galleries and shops stay open later than usual. Check out the Very Virginia Shop for peanuts and other local treats, the Sunflower Shack with its vintage candy, and Birch Tree Bookstore, one of the independent book shops in town.  For some of my favorite places to eat from breakfast to dinner, be sure to read 7 Reasons Why Leesburg Virginia is Awesome for Foodies.

So next time you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of DC and Northern Virginia, just head west to Loudoun County!